Question

Explain briefly Neo-Lamarckism.

Answer 1

Neo-Lamarckism is a modified form of Lamarckism that emphasises the direct effect of the environment on organisms and their heredity.

1. Environmental effect: Environmental factors can directly affect organisms and may produce changes.
2. Effect on germ cells: Environmental factors may directly affect germ cells (germplasm) without necessarily affecting somatic cells.
3. Inheritance of acquired characters: Acquired changes that affect the germ cells may be transmitted to the next generation.
4. Role in evolution: The inheritance of such heritable changes can contribute to evolutionary changes and the formation of new species.